Page 14 of Mercury Rising

“I’ll do everything I can to help here,” Mercury said.

It was the first time either of them had spoken for a while. Nick turned from his laptop.

“What are you reading?”

“About Eddie,” Mercury said, his voice cracking. “Truancy? What the fuck?”

“Technically, it is. Yet, his mum can’t always be left.”

Mercury shook his head. “Aren’t there carers?”

“Sometimes,” Nick replied. “Not always. Hence why he stays at home.”

“Then why can’t the school understand that?”

Nick shrugged. “Because sometimes managing by spreadsheet doesn’t always work.”

Mercury pushed the book away. He needed a break.

“It seems so unfair. Are they supposed to accept it and take the fine?”

He walked over to the window and stared through the net curtains. The room overlooked the back garden. It was also pristine.

“Mercury,” Nick said. “I don’t want to patronise you. This is going to be a massive fucking culture shock. It’s absolutely wonderful that you care and I would never, ever discourage you from that.”

“What are you saying?”

“Keep a little distance. You have to. For your sanity and also to prevent silly mistakes. These children are vulnerable no matter how they present. We’re here to make sure they’re protected. Even if it’s only for the short time they’re visiting us.”

“I understand.”

A flash of uncertainty passed through Mercury. Bodhi House couldn’t be further from the world he inhabited. Yet, he foundhimself hoping that the kids would like him. He stole a glance at Nick, who was frowning at his computer screen.

Keep a little distance? I might manage that with the kids. Nick Campbell, on the other hand, could be a whole different challenge.

CHAPTER FOUR

The hours flew by. Mercury was getting more engrossed in the little nuggets from the children’s lives that he had been tasked to transcribe. He’d thought it would be boring, yet the children’s characters burst off the page. As did the affection that the staff evidently held for them.

He’d very quickly worked out why Nick had given him this task. He’d prejudged him as a spoilt little rich kid ready to whine if he didn’t get mobile phone coverage.

Of course, he’d always known how privileged his life had been. His mother had drummed that into him growing up. Yet facing it in black and white really brought it home to him.

As the kettle boiled, Mercury’s mind filled with the insights he’d already learnt about the kids. He really hoped they’d like him. Mercury hadn’t ever had much trouble in that department. Yet, outside of the bubble of his rich world, did Mercury Morrison offer anything of value?

With the utmost concentration, he waited for the tea to transform into the colour Nick said he liked it. If he left that day with one victory, it would be to produce a cup of tea that passed inspection. He’d made four botched attempts so far.

Once it looked about right, he added a splash of milk. Nick liked his tea strong. Mercury hated tea. Even the smell of it turned his stomach. He’d once confessed that to Mrs Wimpole. He might as well have said he was plotting to paint their house bright pink. She had taken it all very personally.

“Settling in?”

Mercury jumped as Gavin slithered into the room.

“Yes, thank you,” Mercury replied. “Can I make you one?”

Gavin peered into the mugs. “Don’t worry, I’ll fix my own. Perhaps you might like to attend one of the independence classes I teach. We learn all sorts. From making tea to paying bills. All very alien stuff to some people.”

Mercury would not let some prissy upstart ruin his day. He might be the new kid on the block but he was still Mercury Morrison.